To grind with little water into a smooth paste:Coconut-1/4 cupAlmonds-20(can use cashews)Green chilli-small piece(or according to spice level)Red chillies-2Coriander seeds-1 tspGaram masala powder-1/2 tsp

Method:Heat oil in a pan. Add star anise. Fry for 10 seconds. Add onions. Sprinkle salt. Fry till it turns soft.Add tomatoes. Cook till tomatoes turn soft.Add the ground paste and some more salt. Add 1/4 to 1/2 cup water if the gravy is very thick. Bring the mixture to boil. Simmer for 15 minutes. Add sugar. Stir well.Garnish with coriander leaves.Serve with rotis or pooris.

Hi mahimaa, answer to your question.. The sauted tomato and onions pieces stand out giving a separate flavour to the rice grainswhile the ground tomato with the masala penetrates into the rice grains(as the rice is cooked in that mixture)...gives an overall tomato blast of flavours! Haha..romba overa iruka?? My friend actually told me something like this when i first heard the recipe:)